Centre Midfield

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ws01

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6 Nov 2011
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Is anyone else concerned that we aren't strongly linked to anymore central midfielders (apart from Ramsey, which is tenous at best IMO) and don't seem to be planning to bring another one in (of high quality)?.

For all the attacking options and centre half options we've been linked to, it's surprised me that we now seem to be content with our stocks of Fernandinho, Gundogan (coming off injury), Yaya, Fernando and Delph.

I still feel that we're one WC midfielder short of really having a rounded team, and one that fits the way Pep wants to play exactly. Whether we like it or not Yaya is ageing and can't be relied to put in a proper shift, Gundogan is coming off injury, Delph is constantly crocked and Fernando isn't the best on the ball. Dinho is also 31 and closer to the end of his career than the start.

I would've thought it would be the most important part of our recruitment but it seems to have taken a back seat in the last 1-2 months. To me 3 quality CM's (discounting Yaya) plus Fernando and Delph would be optimum this for this season, but it doesn't look to be happening.
 
Not if Pep can get one of KDB, Silva, Yaya or Nari to play a bit deeper. Plus Aleix Garcia has impressed me so far....
 
Is Pep worried? No.

Should we be worried? No.

Never mind the fact we signed a world class CM this summer in Gundogan.
 
ws01 said:
Is anyone else concerned that we aren't strongly linked to anymore central midfielders (apart from Ramsey, which is tenous at best IMO) and don't seem to be planning to bring another one in (of high quality)?.

For all the attacking options and centre half options we've been linked to, it's surprised me that we now seem to be content with our stocks of Fernandinho, Gundogan (coming off injury), Yaya, Fernando and Delph.

I still feel that we're one WC midfielder short of really having a rounded team, and one that fits the way Pep wants to play exactly. Whether we like it or not Yaya is ageing and can't be relied to put in a proper shift, Gundogan is coming off injury, Delph is constantly crocked and Fernando isn't the best on the ball. Dinho is also 31 and closer to the end of his career than the start.

I would've thought it would be the most important part of our recruitment but it seems to have taken a back seat in the last 1-2 months. To me 3 quality CM's (discounting Yaya) plus Fernando and Delph would be optimum this for this season, but it doesn't look to be happening.
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I'm sure if Pep was as worried as you, action would have been taken. Chill out and enjoy the season ahead
 
We already purchased the best CM in Germany, his injury was a freak one from training that looks to be ahead of schedule. Real Madrid and Barca are the only 2 teams stocked in that position but with Madrid not buying Pogba they won't be selling since they have a ban coming up.

In a Pep 4-1-4-1 Fernandinho or Gündogan(Aleix Garcia should be groomed for this role) can be that 1 in front of the defense with KDB/Silva apart of the 4 with Sterling/Nolito Sané/Navas on the wings.

4-3-3. Fernando/Fernandinho/Gündogan in the middle with Delph/Yaya (Garcia's if we ever need to get this far) as options

Point is, we aren't as short a lot of people seem to think. The problem with the MF was Pelle's tactical suicicde playing Dinho/Yaya where Yaya isn't tackling well and Dinho overcommiting to make up + seemingly always a card away from being sent off. That changes the way tackles went in from there. With a more pressure based tactic,with the entire team working to win the ball back as soon as possible, these mistakes shouldn't happen.
 
Spot on MDD I suspect we'll see the benefit of playing with 11 players every game as Yaya won't be lasting long as a starter when Pep watches his 'movement'.

His liability in midfield is like an anchor around the team.

I expect to see a fit Delph, Dihno & Gundogan control the middle against every team in the Prem.
 
To be honest, I agree with the OP. Fernandinho and Gundogan are both excellent, but I still think we need one more (unless Guardiola can get Toure back to his best, but that might be optimistic). I'm not convinced either Delph or Fernando are good enough and whilst Garcia is a great prospect, he needs time to develop.

The fact that Kroos was targeted suggests that the club also see it as an area we need to strengthen. It's odd that we haven't really been linked with anyone else, but I guess the club aren't going to spend for the sake of it. If the right player isn't available then presumably we'll just work with what we've got.
 
I think unless the right deal comes along we've probably done our business in this department this summer. Looks like CB and forwards are the main focus this summer, next summer can be about midfield, fullbacks, and a backup keeper. I trust Pep to make the right decisions for us.
 
Ric said:
To be honest, I agree with the OP. Fernandinho and Gundogan are both excellent, but I still think we need one more (unless Guardiola can get Toure back to his best, but that might be optimistic). I'm not convinced either Delph or Fernando are good enough and whilst Garcia is a great prospect, he needs time to develop.

The fact that Kroos was targeted suggests that the club also see it as an area we need to strengthen. It's odd that we haven't really been linked with anyone else, but I guess the club aren't going to spend for the sake of it. If the right player isn't available then presumably we'll just work with what we've got.
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I can only assume that Pep may try to convert a Silva or KDB to the iniesta role in a midfield three. I feel we're a top class midfielder short of becoming a top top team. Maybe we'll target one if we can shift some deadwood.
 
City_Sean said:
I can only assume that Pep may try to convert a Silva or KDB to the iniesta role in a midfield three. I feel we're a top class midfielder short of becoming a top top team. Maybe we'll target one if we can shift some deadwood.
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Really can't see KdB anywhere else as behind the strikers, given how wasteful he can with possession as he tends to try more risky passes than Silva. Maybe Pep can transform his game, but I don't think so, also I think it wouldn't be too effective, given all his talent and attributes. The Spanish Dave might be a better guess though.
 
I share this concern but think it's linked to our ability to shift Yaya whose wages and loyalty probably come close to £20m for the next 12 months. I still think we're going to do something for Kroos but that will probably mean Fernando will leave.
 
We definitely need another CM (preferably LCM) but we also need to replace Kolorov at LB. Attacks down our left flank caused us so much grief last season.
Delph at LB seems to be Pep's thinking at the mo. Let's hope it works. But we still need a LCM.
 
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